Manufacturing as a whole faces a labor shortage problem that may escalate to a shortfall of as much as 2 million people by 2030. While the pandemic exacerbated the problem, factories have struggled with filling everything from entry-level to industrial management positions for at least a decade.
While that shortfall represents a problem, it also represents a golden opportunity for those looking to advance into factory management or production management. The catch is that you’ll need some essential skills.
If you’re angling towards or actively training for a factory manager or industrial manager position, keep reading for our quick guide to the essentials you’ll need.
Comfort with Data
When people think of things like factory management, they often fixate on the machinery. Yes, the machinery is vitally important for actually making products. Yet, these days, it’s data that drives production management.
Data can alert you when some of that machinery underperforms or falls outside of its usual efficiency. It can tell you when a whole department isn’t performing well. Understanding that data means, minimally, learning the analytics program that your facility uses.
More generally, a good understanding of statistics and computer analytic norms is crucial.
Problem Identification
You cannot fix problems you cannot identify. Let’s say that the data reveals that a department isn’t performing well. The data tells you that a problem exists, but it doesn’t always tell you why a problem exists.
You must find ways that let you single out the problem as one with the process, with individuals, or with even with the business structure itself.
Mechanical Skills
Granted, your job is managing processes, not fixing the machines. That doesn’t let you off the hook for understanding the machinery. How else will you navigate conversations where people describe why a machine went down.
How else will you know if you should approve ordering a part valve, such as the ones found here, or look for a different type or brand?
Organizational Skills
Production management runs as much on details as it does on electricity. You need good organization skills to keep track of those details. Developing at least a working knowledge of project management will serve you well.
Just as importantly, you need a good handle on delegation. No one can possibly keep track of all the details. There is simply too much data running through any modern manufacturing concern for that.
Good delegation skills let you clear lower-level tasks off your plate. That lets you keep your eye on big-picture issues.
Industrial Management and You
Taking on an industrial management role requires a broad cross-section of skills. In fact, the only way most people can develop all of them is through an intentional effort.
You can learn overall management techniques in formal training programs. It’s on you to get comfortable with specific analytics programs, learn organization skills, and figure out your delegation style.
It’s also on you to develop at least a passing mechanical understanding of the kind of machinery at your facility.
Looking for more insights into business management? Check out some more of the posts over in our Business section.
